Communities across Canada are grappling with a deepening housing crisis. The lack of affordable rental units, limited housing stock, and the rising cost of living have left many families in precarious situations, often left to choose between putting food on the table or keeping a roof over their heads.
In response to this crisis, YWCAs from coast to coast are stepping up. As the National Office, part of our role is to amplify the incredible and impactful work of Member Associations across the country.
Today, we’re proud to spotlight the success of one of our Member Associations, YWCA St.Thomas Elgin, who are working to create safe, stable homes for women, youth, and families in their community through Project Tiny Hope.
Why It Matters
In St. Thomas-Elgin, one in five people live in poverty, and on any given night, 100 young people are without a home. In response, the St. Thomas Mayor set a goal to build 2000 homes by 2026, calling on the community to help bolster this initiative. Recognizing the need for supportive and affordable housing, YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin took swift action, creating Project Tiny Hope.
About Project Tiny Hope
Led by YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin, in partnership with Sanctuary Homes and Doug Tarry Homes Ltd., Project Tiny Hope is a community collaborative project that aims to:
- Build 40 new homes by summer 2026;
- House 66 residents, prioritizing women, youth, and women-led families;
- Create a large community program space, a YWCA Program House, to support residents and build connections
Each home will include one to three bedrooms, a full kitchen, laundry, and living space, meeting the needs of people on the local affordable housing list.
“Safe and stable housing is the foundation of a healthy and vibrant community. Project Tiny Hope will revitalize 21 Kains Street in the downtown core of St. Thomas and create a thriving community where youth, adults and families live and grow for years to come”, shared Lindsay Rice, Executive Director at YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin.
Individuals and families on the St. Thomas and YWCA housing and homelessness lists will be considered a priority for this housing project.
8 Homes Built in 72 Hours
In September 2024, the project reached an exciting milestone. Under the leadership of Doug Tarry Homes, the lead builder for YWCA St Tomas Elgin’s housing expansion, builders and volunteers came together for a three-day “blitz build”. In just 72 hours, this extraordinary team completed eight tiny homes. This effort brought the total on-site builds to nine homes, including a bungalow that had begun construction only a month earlier.
Furnishing the Future – Adopt a Home
Beyond their construction efforts, YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin is also running its Furnishing the Future – Adopt a Home campaign, aimed at securing the essential furniture and appliances needed to transform each of the future 40 units.
Explore the catalogue and support a home →
What’s Next: How You Can Help
With nine homes completed, the team is well on its way, but there’s still work ahead to reach the full 40-home goal by summer 2026.
Want to support the project or share it with your networks?
Thinking of launching a housing project in your community?
- Reach out to info@ywcaste.ca to learn more and connect with the team.
